NANO4001: Semester 1, 2026

Units NANO4001 Semester 1 2026 [Normal day]

Unit outline_

NANO4001: Modern Nanoscience

Semester 1, 2026 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

Overview

Nanoscience is considered the cornerstone of future science and technology covering every aspect of human life from health and medicine (implantable biocompatible devices to minor and cure diseases) to autonomous systems (neuromorphic chips) to quantum information processing devices (quantum computers, quantum internet). This unit provides a more in-depth knowledge of modern Nanoscience, deepening your knowledge of the advances in Physics, Chemistry and Biomedical Engineering at the nanoscale. You will be immersed in ideas from experts and leaders in the fields of nanoscience, as invited Guest Lecturers. By undertaking this unit, you will develop an up-to-date and deep overview of the research which constitutes the epicentre of modern nanoscience and the cornerstone of the future Nanotechnology. For example, by learning the electrical, mechanical and optical properties of graphene as well as the latest scientific endeavours in Nanophotonics, Nanocatalysis and Tissue Engineering it will be stimulated in developing future and commercial Nanotechnological solutions. This will enable you to play a role in finding nanoscience solutions to global challenges that impact our lives.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	Physics Academic Operations
Credit points	6
Prerequisites ?	144 credit points of units of study including NANO2002
Corequisites ?	None
Prohibitions ?	None
Assumed knowledge ?	It is strongly recommended that you have completed a major in Chemistry or Physics before attempting the unit
Available to study abroad and exchange students	No

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Stefano Palomba, stefano.palomba@sydney.edu.au

Assessment

The census date for this unit availability is 31 March 2026

Details
Criteria

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length	Use of AI
Q&A following presentation, submission or placement	Individual presentation - Part 2 presentation on the subject of choice explored in one of the weeks	7%	Formal exam period	5 minutes	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
Written work	Individual dissertation individual dissertation in a paper style on the subject of their choice	35%	Formal exam period	4 pages total	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Presentation	Individual presentation - Part 1 presentation on the subject of choice explored in one of the weeks	28%	Formal exam period	15 minutes	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
In-class quiz	Subject quiz answer MCQs on the topics covered each week for a total of 10 tests.	30%	Multiple weeks	30 minutes	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:

Assessment summary

Individual dissertation

Assessment criteria

Result name	Mark range	Description
High distinction	85 - 100	see distributed rubric
Distinction	75 - 84	see distributed rubric
Credit	65 - 74	see distributed rubric
Pass	50 - 64	see distributed rubric
Fail	0 - 49	see distributed rubric

For more information see guide to grades.

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

You can use generative AI tools for open assessments. Restrictions on AI use apply to secure, supervised assessments used to confirm if students have met specific learning outcomes.

Refer to the assessment table above to see if AI is allowed, for assessments in this unit and check Canvas for full instructions on assessment tasks and AI use.

If you use AI, you must always acknowledge it. Misusing AI may lead to a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy.

Visit the Current Students website for more information on AI in assessments, including details on how to acknowledge its use.

Late submission

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date:

Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date.
After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

This unit has an exception to the standard University policy or supplementary information has been provided by the unit coordinator. This information is displayed below:

standard late penalties applies

Academic integrity

The University expects students to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

Our website provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. This includes advice on how to avoid common breaches of academic integrity. Ensure that you have completed the Academic Honesty Education Module (AHEM) which is mandatory for all commencing coursework students

Penalties for serious breaches can significantly impact your studies and your career after graduation. It is important that you speak with your unit coordinator if you need help with completing assessments.

Visit the Current Students website for more information on AI in assessments, including details on how to acknowledge its use.

Learning support

Simple extensions

If you encounter a problem submitting your work on time, you may be able to apply for an extension of five calendar days through a simple extension.  The application process will be different depending on the type of assessment and extensions cannot be granted for some assessment types like exams.

Special consideration

If exceptional circumstances mean you can’t complete an assessment, you need consideration for a longer period of time, or if you have essential commitments which impact your performance in an assessment, you may be eligible for special consideration or special arrangements.

Special consideration applications will not be affected by a simple extension application.

Using AI responsibly

Co-created with students, AI in Education includes lots of helpful examples of how students use generative AI tools to support their learning. It explains how generative AI works, the different tools available and how to use them responsibly and productively.

Support for students

The Support for Students Policy reflects the University’s commitment to supporting students in their academic journey and making the University safe for students. It is important that you read and understand this policy so that you are familiar with the range of support services available to you and understand how to engage with them.

The University uses email as its primary source of communication with students who need support under the Support for Students Policy. Make sure you check your University email regularly and respond to any communications received from the University.

Learning resources and detailed information about weekly assessment and learning activities can be accessed via Canvas. It is essential that you visit your unit of study Canvas site to ensure you are up to date with all of your tasks.

If you are having difficulties completing your studies, or are feeling unsure about your progress, we are here to help. You can access the support services offered by the University at any time:

Support and Services (including health and wellbeing services, financial support and learning support)
Course planning and administration
Meet with an Academic Adviser

Weekly schedule

WK	Topic	Learning activity
Week 01	Nanobiophotonics for biosensing and Lab-on-a Chip	Lecture (1 hr)
	Nanophotonics and Plasmonics Advancement Lab (NPAL) visit	Practical (1 hr)
	Student-led workshop on Nanobiophotonics	Workshop (1 hr)
	Lecturer- students workshop on Nanobiophotonics	Workshop (2 hr)
Week 02	Nanoengineered bioelectronic systems for neuron growth and stimulation	Lecture (1 hr)
	Bioelectronic systems lab visit	Practical (1 hr)
	Student-led workshop on nanoengineered bioelectronic systems for neuron growth and stimulation	Workshop (1 hr)
Week 03	Self-Assembled Nanomaterials	Lecture (1 hr)
	SAXS Lab tour	Practical (1 hr)
	Student-led workshop on Self-Assembled Nanomaterials	Workshop (1 hr)
	Lecturer- students workshop on Self-Assembled Nanomaterials	Workshop (2 hr)
Week 04	Micro/nanofluidics	Lecture (1 hr)
	Micro/nanofluidics lab visit	Practical (1 hr)
	Students-led workshop on micro/nanofluidics	Workshop (1 hr)
	Lecturer- students workshop on micro/nanofluidics	Workshop (2 hr)
Week 05	Current and emerging Nanomedicine therapeutics	Lecture (1 hr)
	Nanomedicine Lab visit	Practical (1 hr)
	Student-led workshop on current and emerging Nanomedicine therapeutics	Workshop (1 hr)
	Lecturer- students workshop on current and emerging Nanomedicine therapeutics	Workshop (2 hr)
Week 07	Quantum Internet and computing	Lecture (1 hr)
	Quantum optics lab visit	Practical (1 hr)
	Student-led workshop on quantum Internet and computing	Workshop (1 hr)
	Lecturer- students workshop on quantum Internet and computing	Workshop (2 hr)
Week 08	Organic Nanostructures & organic solar cell	Lecture (1 hr)
	Organic solar cell lab visit	Practical (1 hr)
	Student-led workshop organic on Nanostructures & organic solar cell	Workshop (1 hr)
	Lecturer- students workshop on Organic Nanostructures & organic solar cell	Workshop (2 hr)
Week 09	Polymer Nanostructures	Lecture (1 hr)
	Chemistry lab visit	Practical (1 hr)
	Student-led workshop on Polymer Nanostructures	Workshop (1 hr)
	Lecturer- students workshop on Polymer Nanostructures	Workshop (2 hr)
Week 10	Designing Nanostructured Films for Solar Cells using Advanced Synchrotron Tools	Lecture (1 hr)
	LBL (California, USA) virtual visit	Practical (1 hr)
	Student-led workshop on nanostructured films for solar cells using advanced synchrotron tools	Workshop (1 hr)
	Lecturer- students workshop on nanostructured films for solar cells using advanced synchrotron tools	Workshop (2 hr)
Week 11	Nanoscience and Nanotechnology in solar cells	Lecture (1 hr)
	Solar cells Lab visit	Practical (1 hr)
	Student-led workshop on Nanoscience and Nanotechnology in solar cells	Workshop (1 hr)
	Lecturer- students workshop on Nanoscience and Nanotechnology in solar cells	Workshop (2 hr)
Week 12	Multifunctional and biocompatible nanomaterials for biomedical applications	Lecture (1 hr)
	Biomedical Lab visit	Practical (1 hr)
	Student-led workshop on multifunctional and biocompatible nanomaterials for biomedical applications	Workshop (1 hr)
	Lecturer- students workshop on multifunctional and biocompatible nanomaterials for biomedical applications	Workshop (2 hr)
Week 13	Terahertz photonics at the nanoscale: challenges and opportunities	Lecture (1 hr)
	THz Lab visit	Practical (1 hr)
	Student-led workshop on THz photonics	Workshop (1 hr)
	Lecturer- students workshop workshop on THz radiation	Workshop (2 hr)

Study commitment

Typically, there is a minimum expectation of 1.5-2 hours of student effort per week per credit point for units of study offered over a full semester. For a 6 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 120-150 hours of student effort in total.

Required readings

All readings for this unit can be accessed on the Library eReserve link available in the Canvas site for this unit.

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes are what students know, understand and are able to do on completion of a unit of study. They are aligned with the University's graduate qualities and are assessed as part of the curriculum.

Outcomes
Graduate qualities

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

LO1. Find and analyse scientific information from a range of sources and judge its reliability and significance in relation to Nanoscience.
LO2. Demonstrate an understanding of key characteristics of specific fields chosen among the Nanoscience topics explored during the unit.
LO3. Communicate scientific information appropriately, both orally and through written work.
LO4. Demonstrate the ability to synthesise the knowledge acquired and coherently describe it.
LO5. Demonstrate the ability to create connections between diﬀerent multidisciplinary ﬁelds and potentially develop new ideas.

Graduate qualities

The graduate qualities are the qualities and skills that all University of Sydney graduates must demonstrate on successful completion of an award course. As a future Sydney graduate, the set of qualities have been designed to equip you for the contemporary world.

GQ1	Depth of disciplinary expertise Deep disciplinary expertise is the ability to integrate and rigorously apply knowledge, understanding and skills of a recognised discipline defined by scholarly activity, as well as familiarity with evolving practice of the discipline.
GQ2	Critical thinking and problem solving Critical thinking and problem solving are the questioning of ideas, evidence and assumptions in order to propose and evaluate hypotheses or alternative arguments before formulating a conclusion or a solution to an identified problem.
GQ3	Oral and written communication Effective communication, in both oral and written form, is the clear exchange of meaning in a manner that is appropriate to audience and context.
GQ4	Information and digital literacy Information and digital literacy is the ability to locate, interpret, evaluate, manage, adapt, integrate, create and convey information using appropriate resources, tools and strategies.
GQ5	Inventiveness Generating novel ideas and solutions.
GQ6	Cultural competence Cultural Competence is the ability to actively, ethically, respectfully, and successfully engage across and between cultures. In the Australian context, this includes and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, knowledge systems, and a mature understanding of contemporary issues.
GQ7	Interdisciplinary effectiveness Interdisciplinary effectiveness is the integration and synthesis of multiple viewpoints and practices, working effectively across disciplinary boundaries.
GQ8	Integrated professional, ethical, and personal identity An integrated professional, ethical and personal identity is understanding the interaction between one’s personal and professional selves in an ethical context.
GQ9	Influence Engaging others in a process, idea or vision.

Outcome map

Learning outcomes	Graduate qualities
Learning outcomes

Responding to student feedback

This section outlines changes made to this unit following staff and student reviews.

We have adapted the suggested changes as much as possible.

Additional information

Additional costs

There are no additional costs for this unit.

Site visit guidelines

Please check the Canvas site for this unit for any information.

Work, health and safety

We are governed by the Work Health and Safety Act 2011, Work Health and Safety Regulation 2011 and Codes of Practice.
Penalties for non-compliance have increased. Everyone has a responsibility for health and safety at work. The University’s Work Health and Safety policy explains the responsibilities and expectations of workers and others, and the procedures for managing WHS risks associated with University activities.

Disclaimer

Important: the University of Sydney regularly reviews units of study and reserves the right to change the units of study available annually. To stay up to date on available study options, including unit of study details and availability, refer to the relevant handbook.

To help you understand common terms that we use at the University, we offer an online glossary.

Current students

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Additional costs

Site visit guidelines

Work, health and safety

Disclaimer

On this page

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